Sky lantern warning after Cogenhoe tree blaze

Northants firefighters say they're dangerous - especially in dry conditions

The blaze on Tuesday night was started by a sky lantern
Author: Richard MuriePublished 24th Jul 2025

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service are warning us not to set off sky lanterns.

The release of one caused a fire in a tree in Cogenhoe Tuesday night (22nd July).

Firefighters from Moulton say it was lucky not to spread.

A fire service statement says:

Despite the current wet weather, the ground in our countryside can still be very dry, and a lit lantern landing on the ground has the potential to cause wildfires that spread quickly, and out of control, putting communities and our crews at risk.

As well as the fire risk to land, property and people as they can land anywhere, lanterns are a danger to wildlife, a hazard to aviation and litter our county.

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